Blair’s inclusion from next year onwards, however, would significantly strengthen the Tigers’ pack. It is understood Wests Tigers have offered the New Zealand dynamo a three-year package worth around $1.5 million, including third-party deals – a figure Parramatta officials concede they cannot match.

Blair has only been on modest money in Melbourne and the Storm cannot match the Tigers’ offer.

Parramatta have also pursued Blair thanks to new coach Stephen Kearney but the Eels have now privately admitted they cannot match the Tigers.